Page 53 of Fairy Tale Lies
Dear God, what have I gotten myself into?
What if they disliked her? What if they had nothing in common and the afternoon was full of awkward silences?
She took a deep, calming breath and studied Jacob’s house instead of her doubts. Like the drive through Detroit, his place was an unexpected pleasure. The quaint two-story Tudor was made from pretty rust-colored bricks and had cream trim. It reminded her of a long-ago summer her parents let her go with her best friend for a week to their family cottage in the Irish Hills. Jacob’s house even had a similar style wrap-around porch. Greta could almost hear the creak of the rocking chairs and her old friend’s giggles.
A soft breeze fluttered the petals of the crimson roses running along the front of the house and crawling up the porch pillars. The delicate fragrance wafted through her car window, caressing and soothing her nerves. Shutting off the engine, she ran her gaze over the house again, piquing her curiosity. How did an out-of-work police officer afford such a home? With one son rebuilding his life and the other opening a shop, neither could be helping much with bills.
Maybe the house was paid off. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t her business.
Greta went around to the passenger side to retrieve the potato salad and blueberry dessert she bought at her favorite artisan shop. Before opening the door, she caught sight of Jacob emerging from the backyard.
His gaze landed on her, and he broke into a smile bright and warm as the sun caressing her skin. Thoughts of the house and neighborhood scattered from her mind, and she concentrated on remembering to breathe.
The man was downright edible in a faded concert T-shirt and old jeans. It wasn’t fair. When she tried casual, she came off as scruffy and in complete disarray.
He quickened his pace, and when he reached her, she stood on tiptoes and kissed him. He returned it before stepping back. His heated gaze ran the entire length of her body, from her cream skirt to her pretty teal, sleeveless blouse.
His admiration was her foreplay.
“You are hot. Even today’s perfect summer day can’t compete.” His intense expression told her he meant it.
She wrapped an arm around his waist, and recalling his one-line from their lunch, said, “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
Her words had sounded more breathless than playful. Jacob stole her air, along with her restraint.
He was becoming an addiction.
“I hope so.” He pulled her closer, leaving no space between their bodies. “Was your drive okay? Did you get lost?”
“Nope. Your directions were perfect. How’s the barbeque going?” She could hear rock music and raucous laughter filtering from the backyard.
“Good. Everyone’s pretty much here.” He glanced away then back, not quite meeting her eyes. “Including Marty, my uncle… remember him?”
Embarrassment flooded her. “Oh no, how could I forget? He probably thinks I’m such a tramp.”
“No he doesn’t. And, hey, if it makes you feel better, it’s awkward for me too.”
“How?” Her curiosity overrode her mortification.
“He reminds me of our afternoon together. My mind wanders to the memories, and it kinda turns me on—then I remember I’m staring at my uncle…” Jacob finished with a mock shudder.
She burst out laughing. “Okay, that is disconcerting. Weirdo.”
His hands ran up her sides, tickling her. “Geez, thanks.”
She pressed against him, suppressing the urge to wiggle away from his fingers, and gave her best sultry smile. “Maybe there’s something I can do to help you.”
He stilled. “Yeah? Go on.”
“Replace the memory with a new one. Maybe sneak back into the guest house…”
“Yeah?” he murmured, his voice dripping with desire.
She nodded, thrilling at his eagerness.
“Mmm... that’s a fantastic idea.” He slanted his mouth over hers for one of his signature sizzling kisses. Her body melted into his.
“Hey, Jacob, did we lose you?”
